Technical Turn a 500 into a 650cc

[Paolo66]

Hello
Can anyone help please? I'm thinking of upgrading the wife's 500 with a Fiat 126 650cc engine.
Do I need to swap the gearbox for a 126 one as well? I think doing this will mean no more double de-clutching right?
If I use a 126 gearbox do I have to keep the 500 drive shafts?
Is the whole job worth it and is it difficult? Before I start spending some hard cash I want to make sure it's all worth the effort:worship:

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Paollo
Yes, you can fit a 650 (126) engine into 500--an often carried out and not difficult conversion. There are a number of jobs that do need some consideration--the 500 has a dynamo, the 126 has an alternator, so you will need to modify the wiring a little bit. The 126 gearbox can be used, but you will need to fit 500 drive-shafts (the 25 mm versions) as the 126 shafts are too long; not a difficult job. If you trowel through the '500 Forum' you will find a great deal of information and advice as how to do the conversion. The 650 engine does make for a car that will keep up with modern traffic much more easily-----go for it, all the best.

 

[Toshi 975]

You can still retain the original dynamo just swop it and the bit of tinware that it bolts to.

 

[MattGibson]

Check out this link: http://www.fiat500clubsa.org.au/articles/swapping-niki-parts-into-your-bambino

 

[Paolo66]

Thanks for all the good advice guys and for posting so quick. I think we're going to go for the 650 conversion and if we do I'll post lots of photos

 

[Eklipze3k]

It always makes me sad that 126's are sacrificed in this way

 

[the hobbler]

Paolo;
All the best with your project---2 sites that may help you; (1) Fiat 500L becomes a Lusso Abarth---this site has about 8 pages and is a detailed list of how (in America) a 500 was upgraded---should find a lot of advice and encouragement, and (2) 'U-tube abarth '1' throught to '8'--this series of articles(especially part '1.5' concerning the engine build) should inspire you and give you a lot of ideas. I will concede though, I do think an awful lot of money was chucked at this project! If you want to contact me direct, I will happily give a list of parts suppliers and any advice I can to help

 

[Bambino]

It always makes me sad that 126's are sacrificed in this way

Survival of the fittest unfortunately and at the moment, the Bambini fit better than the 126s.

Alternatively, you can buy the parts new and forsake the sacrifice.

Chris

 

[disgusted]

I'd like to do this too.

Whatever happend to those people in Mitcham (as seen on Wheeler Dealers) who sold reconditioned 126 engine (with all the ancilliaries) and a gearbox for about £1100.00?

 

[dunnah01]

This was the company I think - not much info although an email address for cantact is there:

http://www.ricambifiat500.com/

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Paollo;
Yes, I am (also) 99% sure that 'www.ricambifiat500.com were the people who did the engine for 'wheeler dealer'. However, if you are only uprating the car to make it a more pleasant to drive (and easier to keep up with modern traffic flow) I would consider obtaining obtaining a 126 engine, renewing parts as required and possibly just 'gently warming it up'. Even with a standered 126 engine, you would be surprised at the improvement in performance.

 

[RobbieDunne]

It always makes me sad that 126's are sacrificed in this way

If it makes you feel better the 126 I got the bits from got a hyabusa motorbike engine! :slayer:But this is also the only way allot of abandoned 126's get to live on. I like the 126's and feel in time they will definitly come into there own.

 

[Paolo66]

So we've got the 126 engine and gearbox arriving tomorrow and just have a couple of questions that I keep getting conflicting information from.
1. Can I use the existing engine mount or does it need modifying for the 126 engine?
2. I have to change the driveshafts from original to 25mm diameter. Do I need to source some 126 swing arms to accommodate this?

 

[Bambino]

Paolo,

The standard mount is OK though it may be worth fitting new rubbers and spring. You will also have to change the engine-side studs - use the ones from your original engine.

The 500 swing arms are also OK. The later model 500s (R&L) came with 25mm driveshafts as standard - they were just shorter than the 126 ones.

Trust me, it'll all fit together fine.

Chris